Cornwall’s Lappa Valley Celebrated Again at Tourism Excellence Awards

Photo: The Lappa Valley team celebrate with their awards. (L to R) Keith Southwell, Sara Southwell, Hannah Rowe, Ben Patrick, Ben Harding, Elizabeth Bucknell.

In a commendable recognition of its offerings, Lappa Valley, situated near St Newlyn East in Cornwall, has clinched the silver award in the Large Visitor Attraction category at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards held in Exeter.

This accolade marks the second consecutive year the family-friendly attraction has been celebrated among the best in the South West. The ceremony, often likened to the “Oscars” of the regional tourism industry, showcases the finest in tourism, hospitality, and accommodation businesses, with competitors having already triumphed in their local competitions. Earlier, Lappa Valley had secured the gold in the Cornwall Awards in November, further cementing its status as a premier destination.

Keith Southwell, the owner of Lappa Valley, expressed his delight at the recognition, highlighting the attraction’s unique position amidst a competitive landscape of notable destinations in the South West. The award comes as a result of meticulous judgment by industry experts, focusing on several critical aspects, including the quality of experience, which for Lappa Valley, was highly commended for its warm hospitality, pristine facilities, and the exceptional service provided by its staff.

Lappa Valley, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is famed for its unique experience, inviting families to embark on a journey through the Cornish countryside aboard a narrow-gauge train to discover a hidden world of additional railways and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities. This award, according to Keith, is a testament to the relentless effort and investment poured into creating memorable family experiences.
Special recognition was also given to Ben Patrick, a dedicated train driver at Lappa Valley, who was honoured as one of the year’s unsung heroes.

Ben’s commendable approach to assisting visitors with disabilities and additional needs, coupled with his enthusiasm for engaging young train enthusiasts, was celebrated for embodying the spirit of inclusivity and passion that defines the Lappa Valley team.

With the tourism season on the horizon, Lappa Valley is set to commence its seven-day operations from Thursday, 28th March, promising an array of new activities for visitors in 2024. This accolade not only underscores Lappa Valley’s commitment to excellence but also shines a spotlight on Cornwall’s vibrant and diverse tourism industry. For more information about Lappa Valley and its offerings, visitors are encouraged to explore LappaValley.co.uk.